No Confirmed Case of Monkeypox in Barbados

Minister of Health and Wellness, Ian Gooding-Edghill, says there are currently no confirmed cases of Monkey Pox locally.

In a statement released from the minister, he revealed that results from two previous tests came back negative, and noted that they are awaiting the result from the latest test.

“The Best Dos Santos public health laboratory recently acquired a capacity to do the diagnostic tests for monkeypox and will therefore be conducting tests locally on any suspected cases. For full disclosure, the Ministry of Health and Wellness will update the public on the results of the one sample, which was sent to the Best Dos Santos public health laboratory. Samples from two previously suspected cases were sent for testing at a CARPHA laboratory in Trinidad, those results were negative. Today there have been no confirmed cases of monkeypox in Barbados. the Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to maintain transparency while adhering to patient confidentiality.”

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He also assured the public that the ministry is doing all it can to protect the health of all Barbadians.

“Let me assure the public that the Minister of Health and Wellness is fully prepared to handle any cases of monkeypox in our nation. In addition, the Ministry’s Port Health staff will continue to conduct public health surveillance at our ports of entry. The ministry’s public health team is well trained in surveillance and detection and as has occurred in the past, when faced with any global outbreaks of infectious diseases, this team will continue to monitor our borders and protect public health in Barbados. Please be aware that any travelers arriving at our ports with any pox symptoms will be assessed and investigated accordingly.”